Kratom Drug Detox

What is Kratom?

Kratom (also called ketum or kratum) is a stimulant drug that is relatively new to street abuse in the United States, though it has been an issue in Southeast Asia for some time. It is derived from the leaves of a plant that is from the coffee family, but actually functions in a similar manner to morphine and also has psychoactive effects. Because it acts on opioid receptors, it is sometimes used in low doses to manage opioid addictions.

Of course, anything that functions in a manner similar to an opioid has potential for addiction. Kratom is no exception. Cases of withdrawal symptoms and cravings have been seen, and although they are milder than the symptoms usually seen in opioid addicts, the drug nevertheless can become addictive. When a physical dependency develops, a period of residential detox is usually necessary as a first step in breaking the addiction.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

The most common withdrawal symptoms seen with kratom are diarrhea, runny nose and irritability. More rare symptoms are sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, bowel obstruction or constipation, loss of appetite and darkening of the skin pigment in the face.

Cases of psychosis, hallucinations and convulsions have occurred, but are much rarer. If these symptoms occur, mental health evaluation is strongly encouraged along with a period of inpatient detox to determine if there is an underlying mental health issue that is being triggered by the kratom use.

How Does Kratom Drug Detox Work?

In general, the symptoms of kratom addiction tend to be milder than those of other addictive drugs. This is therefore one of the few addictive drugs that can commonly be treated with outpatient treatment.

It may also be possible to conduct kratom drug detox on an outpatient basis, using medication and one-on-one substance abuse counseling. It is best to contact a professional at a certified treatment facility to determine the best course of action, however.

The Dangers of Home Detox

While kratom is generally seen as less dangerous than most of the drugs listed on the DEA drug schedule, severe withdrawal symptoms have been seen in some cases. If a kratom user has strong withdrawal symptoms, it will be extremely difficult to successfully quit using the drug, and it may also pose a medical risk.

Family and loved ones can also unintentionally compromise the process of breaking an addiction. Relationships sometimes develop enabling behaviors that encourage the addict to keep using and discourage them from seeking treatment or acknowledging that they have a problem.

Types of Detox Programs

The traditional treatment for an addictive substance is to begin with an initial detox period of a few days to a week in a medical treatment center. During this time, patients are monitored medically at all times and any necessary medications are applied.

As mentioned previously, however, kratom addiction can be treated successfully on a completely outpatient basis if it is not too severe. Those who are experiencing severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms should look for an inpatient program, but if the withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild, it is best to look into outpatient treatment.

If patients are experiencing any hallucinations or psychiatric symptoms, however, then it is best to seek inpatient detox regardless of any subjective feeling of symptom severity. Inpatient treatment can uncover previously undiagnosed mental health systems that may be contributing to or exacerbated by the drug use.

Residential Treatment for Kratom Addiction

A serious kratom addiction should be handled with inpatient medical detox followed by a period of inpatient treatment. This gives the addict the best possible chance to beat the addiction and stay off the drug for life. Through an inpatient kratom rehab program, patients will receive round-the-clock care and support they need. They will learn new and positive coping strategies, as well as address the underlying causes of addiction.

Call drug rehab treatment centers today to find out more about this program. Start a new, drug-free life. Help is a call away.